10 Hacks to Keep Your House Cleaner Longer

Do you like cleaning? I certainly do not. I used to not mind it as much and then my kids got older- and messier, and the house got more full- and messier. Then I decided I don’t like it as much. It’s not something that can be avoided obviously, so I am always looking for little ways to keep the cleaning that I do easier. These 10 hacks to keep your house cleaner longer will do just what it says- help to make your hard work cleaning last a little longer so you can clean a little less often.

Have a No-Shoes Policy

Shoes are gross. Think about what you step on all day, or imagine what you could be stepping on even if you don’t realize it. Ever since my kids were little, we have had a no-shoe policy in my house- and while I’m not always overly strict about it if we have company over, taking your shoes off most of the time will help keep that dirt, grime and germs aways from your clean rugs and floors.

Place Rugs or Mats Inside and Outside of Your Doors

Door mats are not only a way to make a nice entry way or to greet your guests, they can also help trap a TON of dirt and grime. Not only do I have door mats outside of my front, side and back door, I also have nice rugs INSIDE as well. I don’t think these are always serving a purpose other than being pretty, but then I shake them outside so I can wash them and I am reminded just how much junk gets trapped in them!

Store Your Cleaning Supplies Wisely

Instead of storing cleaning supplies in just one spot, keep sets of supplies in different locations around the house so you can quickly wipe down surfaces. Ever since I started this system—for example, stashing window cleaner, paper towels and disinfecting wipes in each of the bathroom cabinets and dust cloths in desk drawers—I don’t have to deep-clean nearly as often.

Carry Things Up & Downstairs When You Go

One rule I have is to never go upstairs without bringing along an item that belongs upstairs, and vice versa. Since I have three kids, there are always toys to take down or toys or sports stuff to carry up. This rule saves me from having to do bigger house cleanups as frequently, and gets everyone involved as well.

Dust Less Often

One way to have a dust-free house is to clean your baseboards with dryer sheets. I attach the sheets to my Swiffer sweeper and run it over the baseboards about once a week or every other week (if I am being honest!). The coating from the dryer sheets helps to repel the dust, which means less work for me later. Plus, they make the house smell nice!

Do a 10-minute Power Clean Up

Once a day if you need to, have your kids help you with a 10 minute power clean up. This is especially effective in our basement which is kid central in my house and gets messier faster than any place on Earth! 10 minutes may not seem that long but it can just enough time to keep the mess under control.

Throw Junk Mail (and School Papers) Away Right Away

Don’t make piles to be gone through later, once you check the mail or go through your kid’s backpacks, toss anything you know you don’t need right away! No need to save it all.

Do One Load of Laundry Everyday

If you have enough laundry, start a wash cycle first thing in the evening (or the morning depending on your schedule) so you have time to dry and fold. Don’t ever let unfolded laundry make it into your bedroom. Keep a folding area near your washer/dryer, and be ruthless about folding/ironing as soon as the drying cycle is done. This will help to keep the piles under control!

Tidy Up the Bathroom After Each Use

Like I shared last week, I am trying to teach my kids to wipe down the bathroom counter after they brush their teeth to help keep it cleaner, and I do the same for us in our bathroom after I do my make up and hair. Another trick is to use a shower spray after you are done showering so the soap scum can stay at bay. Both of these tricks will help you to keep the deep cleaning in your bathroom last a little longer.

Clean as You Cook

I am a clean as you cook type of gal but my husband is not. While is a fantastic cook, I hate having all of the dishes piled up after to be washed. If you get in the habit of cleaning and washing as you go, you will have less to do after. I prefer hand washing, but if I ever do use the dishwasher, another hack is to unload it as you are making your morning coffee or tea that way is it empty for the rest of the day and ready for it’s next use.

While none of these hacks will prevent you from having to deep clean your house, they will however make your clean home stay cleaner longer- and doesn’t that just sound like a dream?? What cleaning hacks would you add to the list?